AN orchestra from the prestigious Chetham School of music in Manchester has given a special performance of Peter and the Wolf to primary schoolchildren.

More than 15 student musicians aged between eight and 16 from Manchester's top music school performed a musical version of the classic fairytale in front of teachers and pupils at Washacre Primary School.

The orchestra included a variety of instruments, ranging from piccolos to trombones.

The musicians will also work with the pupils and help them compose music of their own so that the children will be able to tell a story of their choosing entirely through music.

Headteacher Howard King said: "This really is unique. I was approached by the director of music at Chetham School of Music and he said he was interested in doing a project linking up with primary schools, and this was the school they chose for this area."

Mr King already has close links with Chethams as his talented son Andrew his currently training on a voice course at the school.

Andrew impressed the Washacre youngsters by performing as narrator in the Peter and the Wolf show.

The school in Clough Avenue, Westhoughton, already has a singing club and has previously been involved in percussion workshops.